Diabetic Foot Care

Each year, millions of people suffer from diabetes. The body and feet become damaged, due to blood vessels. The extremities may develop slow blood flow, which causes neuropathy (nerve damage). Once a patient develops neuropathy, the feet must be well taken care of.

Especially when suffering from diabetes, it is important to keep the feet washed and dried. Examining your feet and toes carefully is also important, as you want to be on the lookout for redness and sores. You may also want to examine your feet on the bottom, checking for any abnormalities. Try to avoid wearing socks that have a die, and wear socks that are well-fitting.

Monitoring a diabetic’s Hemoglobin A1C levels to test how the blood sugar is doing during the past 3 months is important. Blood sugar’s normal range is 70-110mg/dl. A physician may prescribe medicine to help. Furthermore, it is advised to see a podiatrist if experiencing any feet issues. Toe nails must also be looked after, as a patient may be cutting their nails incorrectly, leading to an infection. 

So long as a patient follows their physician’s instructions, a person can take care of their feet at home. Using cream is also an effective way to fight dry skin. Lastly, use cautions when using tools to remove calluses, as severe diabetics may not be able to feel pain on their feet.

A diabetic’s foot must be checked on a day to day basis. If you are ever unsure about something, consult your doctor immediately. It is not wise to wait until an issue or wound is too bad to get it checked out. Serious infection can occur, such as gangrene that can cause sepsis or amputation. Early detection and treatment is necessary in staying healthy. 

Here at The Texas Foot Specialists, Dr. Bruce Miller and Dr. Gregory Mangum provide expert and specialized care to address all of your foot and ankle needs. From conservative to advanced surgical treatments, you can always count on us for quality and compassionate care. Contact us online to make an appointment at one of our conveniently located offices in Sugar Land, Pasadena or Houston.